White House Tee Ball on the South Lawn

In 2001, President Bush launched his White House Tee Ball Initiative in recognition of the role baseball has played in American history, and its importance as a tool for fostering spirit and teamwork among America's youth. Now in its seventh year, President Bush is hosting two games on the South Lawn of the White House this summer. On June 27, the White House held it's first-ever Softball Tee ball game, honoring the contribution of women in the world of sports. At this game, the Luray Little League Red Wings met the Allegany County Little League Bobcats on the field. More about game one.

In 1947 Jackie Robinson took to the field as the first African-American player in Major League Baseball. Sixty years later, on Sunday, July 15, 2007, the White House will pay tribute to Robinson's exceptional career with a ceremonial game of Tee Ball on the South Lawn. A true pioneer in his day, Robinson defied racial barriers and achieved greatness in the face of extreme adversity.

In honor of that legacy, the Little League teams who participated in the Tee Ball game hailed from Brooklyn, New York, and Los Angeles, California  the past and present homes of Robinson's Major League Baseball team, the Dodgers. Several baseball icons from both the Major Leagues and the Negro Leagues were on hand to commemorate this historic milestone of our national pastime. More about game two.